The Higher Education Council (HEC) has fully digitised Rwanda’s equivalence system, marking a major upgrade after years of manual operations. The move is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and the quality of service delivery. Officially launched on Wednesday, December 24, Rwanda’s revamped digital equivalence system is set to transform the assessment of foreign academic qualifications. The platform streamlines the entire process—from application and verification to the final equivalence decision—addressing long-standing concerns from applicants regarding delays and procedural bottlenecks. ALSO READ: HEC equivalence processing to go digital The upgraded system introduces simpler and more transparent procedures, allowing local and international applicants to submit equivalence applications online, track their progress in real time, and follow the verification process directly with awarding institutions. One of the key changes is the processing timeline. With all required documents duly submitted, HEC now aims to issue equivalence decisions within 10 working days, an improvement shift from the previously non fixed timeline, where each case was handled differently and often took longer to conclude, an issue that had posed challenges for applicants. ALSO READ: Higher Education Council sheds light on equivalence delay issues The new system places stronger emphasis on academic merit and institutional credibility. Verification now focuses primarily on the legitimacy of the awarding institution, the academic programme undertaken, and the authenticity of submitted academic documents. As part of this shift, several documents previously required for verification are no longer mandatory. Effective from December 24, applicants will no longer be required to submit travel documents, admission letters to Rwandan institutions, employment contracts for international job seekers, admission letters for international students intending to study in Rwanda, or invigilation letters. The equivalence process now prioritises the credibility of the academic institution and programme, alongside verifiable academic records that demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications. In line with the reforms, HEC has also introduced the equivalence application fees. Rwandan applicants will pay Rwf60,000, while international applicants will be charged USD120. The Director General of HEC, Edward Kadozi, explained that the fees were introduced as the system has now gone fully digital. He noted that previously, no fees were charged. The current amount, he said, was determined after international benchmarking, adding that the cost remains lower compared to similar services offered in other countries in the region. Kadozi explained that the fees will cover operational costs, including outsourcing services from international academic verification agencies, hosting and maintaining the digital platform, and ensuring its continuous operation. For international applicants, he said, the fees are higher due to the more demanding process of obtaining and verifying accurate information, which requires more resources compared to local applications. To enhance accountability, the upgraded system introduces clear appeal and complaint mechanisms. Applicants can now formally request a review of decisions or submit operational complaints through structured and transparent channels. The fully digital equivalence system is accessible via the IremboGov platform, enabling applicants to submit requests independently, monitor progress in real time, and receive decisions more efficiently, regardless of location. The overhaul comes amid persistent concerns from applicants about prolonged waiting periods and procedural inefficiencies, issues the new system is intended to address.
